Every year, cities across the nation participate in National Night out, an event that helps strengthen the relationship between the community and police while barbecuing and having a great time.

This will be Turlock’s 8th year participating in the event that the city has received an award from the National Association of Town Watch for the community’s participation.

Neighborhoods throughout town will be hosting block parties, barbecues, and ice cream socials tonight while creating bonds with police.

The Turlock Police Department hopes this night will send a message to criminals letting them know that the neighborhoods in Turlock are organized and fighting back.

With the recent attacks against the police and the rise in crime due to Prop 47, this event is coming at just the right time. Hopefully everyone can come together as a community and work on making Turlock the best in can be by being vigilant citizens and helping Turlock police.

If your neighborhood didn't register for a block party, there's still a way to participate and get to meet Turlock police, government officials, and other public safety personnel.

The Turlock Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities Department is inviting the public to Columbia Park for a community National Night Out event. All the fun takes place at Columbia Park, located at 600 Columbia Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.